Back To The Bad Old Days?...

[King Cantona]

I thought football hooliganism was a thing of the past, seems I was wrong:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/08/25/man-stabbed-as-west-ham-and-millwall-fans-clash-115875-21623972/

[snagswolf]

Soccer fans fight out of frustration because there's not enough action in their sport.

If I had to sit through a soccer game, I'd want to stab someone too.

[King Cantona]

Soccer fans fight out of frustration because there's not enough action in their sport.

If I had to sit through a soccer game, I'd want to stab someone too.

Surprised there isn't mass riots in the NFL then if what you say is true. All that standing around between plays? just the right climate for a bit of casual thuggery...;)...

Football/soccer is brilliant, it's not my fault that you can't see the nuances of the game....;)....

[MrShotShot]

"The referee then took the players off for their own safety and the match - which West Ham won 3-1 - was held up for half an hour."

This just in, given the fast pace of the action, most fans in attendance were unaware that the match was delayed.

[King Cantona]

"The referee then took the players off for their own safety and the match - which West Ham won 3-1 - was held up for half an hour."

This just in, given the fast pace of the action, most fans in attendance were unaware that the match was delayed.

What? What day is it? Is this gang up on the soccer fan day? Don't forget I remember the eighties. I'm a veteran of soccer riots from Liverpool to West Ham, I was the guy cowering at the back...

But don't diss soccer or I may have to exact retribution.....;).....

Good luck in exporting NFL football overseas.........

[MrShotShot]

What? What day is it? Is this gang up on the soccer fan day? Don't forget I remember the eighties. I'm a veteran of soccer riots from Liverpool to West Ham, I was the guy cowering at the back...

But don't diss soccer or I may have to exact retribution.....;).....

Good luck in exporting NFL football overseas.........

You can have your soccer.

I'll take a cricket match any day of the week though.

[King Cantona]

You can have your soccer.

I'll take a cricket match any day of the week though.

I was in the US in April and I met an American who liked cricket, I'm not going to criticise a sport that has many followers but apart from when I was at school and HAD to play it every Wednesday it just isn't my cup of tea....

I watch the NFL and enjoy it but don't like baseball or basketball...

But don't claim football/soccer has no action if you're going to watch cricket........;).........

[super cool ski instructor]

See...here is the thing...we Americans prefer to just drink beer...and maybe shout a little profanity :))

We leave the thuggish behavior to the NFL athletes...I mean come on? What else are they going to do in their free time?

[King Cantona]

See...here is the thing...we Americans prefer to just drink beer...and maybe shout a little profanity :))


Much more civilised I've got to admit.......

But they've banned drinks at our stadiums now, you just can't win......:(.......

[ReaganWasWrong]

I came into football (the real football, you know, the one where you use your feet) about five years ago. And I now understand the rest of the world's aversion to our American sports.

American football (throwball), baseball, basketball, and hockey are only a series of timeouts and commercial breaks with an occasional interruption of sport being played. It's a scam disguised as entertainment in order to feed the spectator advertisments. Take the Super Bowl for example, most people tune in for the commercials.

[snagswolf]

Surprised there isn't mass riots in the NFL then if what you say is true. All that standing around between plays? just the right climate for a bit of casual thuggery...;)...
Yes, using that kind of logic, your 'surprise' is not surprising.

Football/soccer is brilliant, it's not my fault that you can't see the nuances of the game....;)....
Nuances? Is that what you call 'boring people to tears so they start stabbing each other'?

[snagswolf]

American football (throwball), baseball, basketball, and hockey are only a series of timeouts and commercial breaks with an occasional interruption of sport being played. It's a scam disguised as entertainment in order to feed the spectator advertisments. Take the Super Bowl for example, most people tune in for the commercials.
Complete and utter B.S.

[King Cantona]

Yes, using that kind of logic, your 'surprise' is not surprising.

Well I have been to a few college games of the sport that you quaintly call 'football' so without the commercials I can only say that they were by far the most boring sporting events I ever attended...

Nuances? Is that what you call 'boring people to tears so they start stabbing each other'?

Last night was the first real trouble in years, true football fans don't get bored at football, there IS a reason it's the most popular sport in the world...

[King Cantona]

Complete and utter B.S.

Different people have different opinions.....

[ReaganWasWrong]

"Complete and utter B.S."

The average NFL game is over 3 hours long. The actual time it takes to play the game is 1 hour (4 quarters multiplied by 15 minutes = 60 minutes).

So what do you do for over 2 hours while watching the NFL? You certainly aren't watching football being played, I've proved that.

Do you have a hobby to take your mind off of the advertisments for the new season of "Desperate Housewives" or the Extra point brought to you by Outback Steakhouse? I would suggest knitting a quilt or reading a book.

Think about it. One hour for watching football and two hours for getting something constructive done.

[snagswolf]

Well I have been to a few college games of the sport that you quaintly call 'football' so without the commercials I can only say that they were by far the most boring sporting events I ever attended...
It's not my fault that you can't grasp the nuances of the game, and you need fans knifing each other to make things exciting.

Last night was the first real trouble in years, true football fans don't get bored at football, there IS a reason it's the most popular sport in the world...
Yes, because even the most primitive pygmy tribe in Africa can kick around a goat's head and play soccer.

[snagswolf]

"Complete and utter B.S."

The average NFL game is over 3 hours long. The actual time it takes to play the game is 1 hour (4 quarters multiplied by 15 minutes = 60 minutes).

So what do you do for over 2 hours while watching the NFL? You certainly aren't watching football being played, I've proved that.

Do you have a hobby to take your mind off of the advertisments for the new season of "Desperate Housewives" or the Extra point brought to you by Outback Steakhouse? I would suggest knitting a quilt or reading a book.

Think about it. One hour for watching football and two hours for getting something constructive done.
Which is not what you said, which was:

American football (throwball), baseball, basketball, and hockey are only a series of timeouts and commercial breaks with an occasional interruption of sport being played.
Unlike soccer, football is a play-based sport. Part of the attraction is that the plays are discussed, both before and after they happen.

I can understand that being foreign to someone who likes to watch a bunch of guys walking around, while a few of them kick a ball. See, in that sport, there's so much time where nothing's happening while play is going on, that the commentators can discuss anything they want without having to worry about interrupting something exciting happening on the field.

Also, where's your backup for your claim about the Super Bowl viewers?

[King Cantona]

It's not my fault that you can't grasp the nuances of the game, and you need fans knifing each other to make things exciting.

I can grasp the nuances of the game, it's the nuances of standing around doing nothing that I have trouble with...

Yes, because even the most primitive pygmy tribe in Africa can kick around a goat's head and play soccer.

Or throw a pig skin to each other so what's your point again?....

[ReaganWasWrong]

Before I get to your reply snagswolf, the knifing took place outside of Upton Park and not inside during the match.

You claim that part of the attraction of Football is discussing play calling both before and after the fact. Again, your not watching a sport being played. Your listening to John Madden talk while eleven men stand in a huddle. Furthermore, you only stregthen my claim about football being 3 hours of timewasting (timeouts and commercials). It's also listening to commentators talk - but this shouldn't be a surprise from people who listen to a.m. radio for 8 hours a day.

You also claim that fooballers walk around while only ocassionally kicking a ball. According to one study, Steven Gerrard covered a distance of more than seven miles during one game and some believe that nearly a quarter of distance covered is at full sprint. Home many miles do tackles, centers, quarterbacks, and guards run each game?

As for my Super Bowl claim, you are right, its anecdotal. I've been to a lot of Super Bowl parties and it's mainly women interested in commericials and guys wanting to get drunk and eat (like myself). Of course this wouldn't apply to fans of the teams competing in the game. But like I said, it's my experience.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article722711.ece

[MrShotShot]

I was in the US in April and I met an American who liked cricket, I'm not going to criticise a sport that has many followers but apart from when I was at school and HAD to play it every Wednesday it just isn't my cup of tea....

I watch the NFL and enjoy it but don't like baseball or basketball...

But don't claim football/soccer has no action if you're going to watch cricket........;).........

My experience with cricket is sitting in the sun for 8 hours with a bunch of Aussies drinking beer. That might have colored my view of the sport a bit.

[snagswolf]

I can grasp the nuances of the game, it's the nuances of standing around doing nothing that I have trouble with...
Then why are you claiming soccer is exciting, when that's what most of the players do, even when the ball is in play?

Or throw a pig skin to each other so what's your point again?....
Well, the sport of football is more than just throwing a pigskin around, whereas the sport of soccer is pretty much kicking a ball, no matter what level you're at.

The reason soccer is so popular around the world, is because the entrance to the sport is so easy. A couple of kids with something to kick around is all you need.

Which explains why it's a recreational sport in the U.S. for children. Get a bunch of kids together, throw them a ball, and they're happy to kick it around. But eventually they outgrow it and find real sports to play which require a bit more skill and strategy.

[snagswolf]

Before I get to your reply snagswolf, the knifing took place outside of Upton Park and not inside during the match.
Yes, the frustration builds up.

You claim that part of the attraction of Football is discussing play calling both before and after the fact. Again, your not watching a sport being played. Your listening to John Madden talk while eleven men stand in a huddle. Furthermore, you only stregthen my claim about football being 3 hours of timewasting (timeouts and commercials).
And with soccer, it's even longer, and less action. A bunch of guys standing around until the ball comes near them. With football, something happens on every play.


It's also listening to commentators talk - but this shouldn't be a surprise from people who listen to a.m. radio for 8 hours a day.
And who does that?

You also claim that fooballers walk around while only ocassionally kicking a ball. According to one study, Steven Gerrard covered a distance of more than seven miles during one game and some believe that nearly a quarter of distance covered is at full sprint. Home many miles do tackles, centers, quarterbacks, and guards run each game?
Why are you comparing one guy's stats to the least mobile of the football positions?

And BTW, seven miles in 90 minutes works out to 4.7 miles per hour. Zippy!

As for my Super Bowl claim, you are right, its anecdotal. I've been to a lot of Super Bowl parties and it's mainly women interested in commericials and guys wanting to get drunk and eat (like myself). Of course this wouldn't apply to fans of the teams competing in the game. But like I said, it's my experience.
Nope, it's B.S.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/580185/most_people_watched_the_super_bowl.html?cat=9
Of the expected audience of 90 million adults, 19 percent according to the study were only tuning in to see the commercials.

[King Cantona]

My experience with cricket is sitting in the sun for 8 hours with a bunch of Aussies drinking beer. That might have colored my view of the sport a bit.

In those circumstances I could get to like ANY sport.........

Even curling......

[King Cantona]

Then why are you claiming soccer is exciting, when that's what most of the players do, even when the ball is in play?

???? The one's involved in the play are hardly 'standing around', just accept it. You will clearly never understand the nuances of soccer so just give up trying to diss a sport you have no ability to understand...

Just keep on calling yourselves the city of champions...:rolleyes:...

Well, the sport of football is more than just throwing a pigskin around, whereas the sport of soccer is pretty much kicking a ball, no matter what level you're at.

The reason soccer is so popular around the world, is because the entrance to the sport is so easy. A couple of kids with something to kick around is all you need.

Which explains why it's a recreational sport in the U.S. for children. Get a bunch of kids together, throw them a ball, and they're happy to kick it around. But eventually they outgrow it and find real sports to play which require a bit more skill and strategy.


Skill and strategy? The fact that you obviously don't realise the strategy and tactics of football just shows that it's pointless to try to educate you...

[ReaganWasWrong]

Thank you snagswolf for confirming my thoughts on the super bowl. You conveniently left out the headline of the article you sited: "Most People Watched the Super Bowl with as Much Interest or More in the Commercials".

Yes, that's right. 58% of viewers (a majority) watched the super bowl with as much if not more interest in the advertisments than the game itself.

Wow. For a sport as exciting and complex as American football, 58% of it's spectators find commercials eqaually entertaining.

And for the record snagswolf, its best to use sources to back up your own argument rather than your opponents.

[King Cantona]

Thank you snagswolf for confirming my thoughts on the super bowl. You conveniently left out the headline of the article you sited: "Most People Watched the Super Bowl with as Much Interest or More in the Commercials".

Yes, that's right. 58% of viewers (a majority) watched the super bowl with as much if not more interest in the advertisments than the game itself.

Wow. For a sport as exciting and complex as American football, 58% of it's spectators find commercials eqaually entertaining.

And for the record snagswolf, its best to use sources to back up your own argument rather than your opponents.

Actually mate, you're an Arsenal fan, they are on telly at this very moment, v Celtic...

[ReaganWasWrong]

I've got it on the DVR right now, please don't say anything else. Although, I think it will be a walk in the park. I can't see Celtic overcoming a 2-nil aggregate plus the away goals.

[ReaganWasWrong]

And by the way King, what's your prediction for this weekend? I think we (The Arsenal) have a good chance at taking a point or three at Old Trafford.

[Apatriot]

???? The one's involved in the play are hardly 'standing around', just accept it. You will clearly never understand the nuances of soccer so just give up trying to diss a sport you have no ability to understand...

Just keep on calling yourselves the city of champions...:rolleyes:...




Skill and strategy? The fact that you obviously don't realise the strategy and tactics of football just shows that it's pointless to try to educate you...


I used to think the same as snag, until I learned about the game and was an assistant coach for a team of 9 and 10 yr olds. Soccer has a lot of strategy and tactics to it that aren't apparent until you've watched it awhile.

[King Cantona]

And by the way King, what's your prediction for this weekend? I think we (The Arsenal) have a good chance at taking a point or three at Old Trafford.

I can only see a United victory, a few goals between us though. Maybe 2-1 or 3-2 though you definitely have a chance of taking a point or three...

[snagswolf]

???? The one's involved in the play are hardly 'standing around', just accept it. You will clearly never understand the nuances of soccer so just give up trying to diss a sport you have no ability to understand...
Sure they're standing around. No one can run for 45 minutes, so they have to rest while the clock is running.

So, while there are no time outs and commercials, you're watching players rest as the sport is going on.

Just keep on calling yourselves the city of champions...:rolleyes:...
Holy non sequitur Batman!

Skill and strategy? The fact that you obviously don't realise the strategy and tactics of football just shows that it's pointless to try to educate you...
Yeah, run up and down the field and kick the ball. And stand around when the ball isn't near you.

[snagswolf]

Thank you snagswolf for confirming my thoughts on the super bowl. You conveniently left out the headline of the article you sited: "Most People Watched the Super Bowl with as Much Interest or More in the Commercials".

Yes, that's right. 58% of viewers (a majority) watched the super bowl with as much if not more interest in the advertisments than the game itself.

Wow. For a sport as exciting and complex as American football, 58% of it's spectators find commercials eqaually entertaining.

And for the record snagswolf, its best to use sources to back up your own argument rather than your opponents.
Please learn to read. Here is what you said:

Take the Super Bowl for example, most people tune in for the commercials.
The article proves that statement to be incorrect.

Reading comprehension is your friend.

And BTW, I did the math on your numbers for Steven Gerrard. If he ran seven miles during a game, and 1/4 of that was at a full sprint, that means he ran 1.75 miles at a full sprint.

The average man runs about 15 mph, and elite sprinters run about 29mph. Since Gerrard is a professional athlete, let's put his speed somewhere in the middle, say 23mph. So, sprinting at 23mph, it would take him just under 5 minutes to run a total of 1.75 miles.

So, that tells us that during a 90 minute game, Gerrard is only sprinting for 5 of those 90 minutes.

And for 85 minutes of the game, he's performing at less than his maximum effort. At least in football, players don't take a rest while the game is going on.

[badkarma]

I spent a couple years as a kid living in Brook, a small farming town in Germany, where every Sunday EVERYONE went to the local soccer field to watch and/or play soccer. I grew up playing the game, and I can say that it is a fantastic sport to play. A good soccer player is definitely an athlete, the game is far more intense to play than just watching would lead you to believe and it is surprisingly more difficult to master the game than is readily apparent. So while I make no claims of being an expert, I think I can confidently state that I do understand the intricacies and the strategies of the game.

Having said that, I have never seen the draw in watching the game. Playing the game is fantastic and requires some serious dedication to be good, but watching it is almost a chore.